Valve arrangement for an internal combustion engine

ABSTRACT

A valve arrangement for controlling the flow of gasses ( 132, 138 ) through a cylinder ( 128 ) of an internal combustion engine, which includes an inlet shaft ( 120 ) having an inlet flow channel defined therein, an outlet shaft ( 122 ) having an outlet flow channel defined therein, the inlet and outlet shafts ( 120, 122 ) being mounted rotatably about an inlet and outlet port of the cylinder ( 128 ) respectively, wherein the flow of gasses through the cylinder is controlled as the shafts are rotated between a first position wherein the flow channels are in register with the cylinder ports, thereby allowing the flow of gasses ( 132, 133 ) through the cylinder ( 128 ), and a second position wherein the flow channels are deregistered relative the cylinders ports, so as to inhibit the flow of gasses through the said cylinder.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to valve arrangements for internal combustion engines. More particularly, a rotary valve for regulating the flow of fuel air mixture and exhaust gas through multiple cylinders of an internal combustion engine.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

The inventor is aware of conventional 4 stroke internal combustion engines wherein the flow of fuel/air mixture and exhaust gas through the combustion chamber of a cylinder is regulated via axial displacement of valves mounted about the inlet and outlet ports of the cylinder. These valves together with other parts such as the valve guides, valve springs, valve seals, valve lifter bodies, valve lifters, cam shafts, rocker arms and or push rods are collectively known as the valve train.

One of the problems associated with the valve train as described above is that a considerable amount of energy is spent in displacing the valves in order to regulate the flow of fuel/air and exhaust gas in and out of the combustion chamber, respectively.

The inventor having considered the above, proposes the invention as described herein below wherein the valve train is substituted and replaced by a simpler design for regulating the flow of fu air and exhaust gas into and out of the combustion chamber.

The invention is not limited to, but for the purposes of this invention a typical four stroke, inline, four cylinder internal combustion engine with firing order 1-3-4-2 is described.

For the purpose of this invention the term “gasses” shall mean to include the fuel/air mixture which is introduced into the combustion chamber for combustion thereof, as well as the exhaust gas formed as a result of the combustion process.

For the purpose of this invention the term “intake manifold” shall mean the assembly carrying the fuel and air mixture to the inlet port of the cylinder.

For the purpose of this invention the term “outlet manifold” shall mean the assembly carrying the exhaust gas away from the outlet port of the cylinder.

For the purpose of this invention the term “gasses” shall be used as collective term for fuel/air mixture and the exhaust gas formed as a result of the combustion process.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention there is provided a valve arrangement for controlling the flow of gasses through a cylinder of an internal combustion engine, which includes:—

-   -   an inlet shaft having an inlet flow channel defined therein;     -   an outlet shaft having an outlet flow channel defined therein;     -   the inlet and outlet shafts being mounted rotatably about an         inlet and outlet port of the cylinder respectively;     -   wherein the flow of gasses through the cylinder is controlled as         the shafts are rotated between a first position wherein the flow         channels are in register with the cylinder ports, thereby         allowing the flow of gasses through the cylinder, and a second         position wherein the flow channels are deregistered relative the         cylinder ports, so as to inhibit the flow of gasses through the         said cylinder.

The flow of gasses may include the cross-flow of gasses through the cylinder wherein the air/fuel mixture is introduced through the inlet port of the cylinder, and the exhaust gas as a result of the combustion process exit the cylinder through the outlet port of the said cylinder.

The inlet and outlet shafts may be generally cylindrical in shape.

The flow channels may be in the form of a recess defined in an outer surface of the said shafts. In a combustion engine having multiple cylinders, the inlet and outlet shaft may have a plurality of recesses defined therein at predetermined locations along the length of the shafts to regulate the flow of gasses through the multiple cylinders as the recesses comes in register with the inlet and outlet ports of the said cylinders, respectively.

The recess may be of any suitable shape and size. The recess may take the form of a notch defined in an outer surface of the shaft.

The inlet and outlet flow channels may take the form of a hollow and aperture arrangement defined in the inlet and outlet shafts respectively. In this embodiment the shaft will typically have closed ends with the hollow extending longitudinally inside the shaft. The apertures will typically be located at multiple predetermined locations in a sidewall of the shaft, so as to define a flow path through the hollow shaft when the aperture is in register with the inlet and or outlet port of the cylinder.

The hollow shaft may include a propelling arrangement for propelling the gasses in a preferred direction through the hollow when rotating the said hollow shaft.

The propelling arrangement may be in the form of a helix type element extending from an inner surface of the hollow shaft, the helix type element arranged longitudinally the said hollow shaft, so as to propel and or drive gasses through the hollow when rotating.

The propelling arrangement may be in the form of a plurality of sheet and or fin type elements protruding, from the inner wall of the hollow shaft. The sheet and or fin type elements may be angular disposed relative the inner wall so as to drive and propel gas in a preferred direction when rotating the shaft.

A sealing arrangement may be provided for sealably arranging the shafts relative the inlet and or outlet ports of the cylinder so as to inhibit the escape of gas flowing between the flow channel and the cylinder ports.

The shafts may be manufactured from any suitable heat resistant durable material such as titanium, steel and or an alloy thereof.

The shafts may be arranged in communication with a crankshaft of the combustion engine for axial rotation of the shaft.

The hollow shaft may also include a source for disposing fuel and or fuel/air mixture into the cylinder for combustion thereof. The fuel source may include a fuel line for carrying the fuel from a high pressure fuel pump via a fuel solenoid into the cylinder.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A valve arrangement in accordance with the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings:—

FIG. 1 depicts a schematic representation of a first embodiment of the valve arrangement for controlling the flow of gasses in a four cylinder, four stroke internal combustion engine, having a cylinder firing order of 1-4-3-2, in accordance with the invention;

FIGS. 2 shows a schematic representation of the embodiment as shown in FIG. 1 illustrating the arrangement of the recesses in relation to the shafts for controlling the flow of gasses through four cylinders of an internal combustion engine;

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a second embodiment of the valve arrangement illustrating the in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 4 shows a further schematic representation of the embodiment as shown in FIG. 3;

FIGS. 5 is a schematic representation of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, illustrating the arrangement of the shafts for controlling the flow of gasses through four cylinders of an internal combustion engine; and

FIGS. 6 and 7 are schematic representations of the second embodiment of the valve arrangement including a propelling arrangement, in accordance with the invention.

Turning now to the figures, according to the invention there is provided a valve arrangement 10 for controlling the flow of gasses through a cylinder 12 of an internal combustion engine, which includes an inlet shaft 14 having an inlet flow channel 16 defined therein, an outlet shaft 18 having an outlet flow channel 20 defined therein, the inlet and outlet shafts being mounted rotatably about an inlet port 22 and outlet port 24 of the cylinder 12 respectively, wherein the flow of gasses through the cylinder 16 is controlled as the shafts 14 and 18 are rotated between a first position wherein the flow channels 16 and 20 are in register with the cylinder ports 22 and 24, thereby allowing the flow of gasses through the cylinder 16, and a second position wherein the flow channels 16 and 20 respectively, are deregistered relative the cylinder ports 22 and 24 respectively, so as to inhibit the flow of gasses through the said cylinder.

The flow of gasses may include the cross-flow of gasses through the cylinder 16 wherein the air/fuel mixture 26 is introduced through the inlet port 22 of the cylinder 16, and the exhaust gas 28 as a result of the combustion process exit the cylinder 16 through the outlet port 24 of cylinder 16.

In the first embodiment, more clearly shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the shafts 14 and 18 will be in the form of solid elongate cylindrical shaped members wherein the flow channels 16 and 20 are in the form of recesses defined in an outer surface of the said shafts. In a combustion engine having multiple cylinders 16, the inlet 14 and outlet shafts 18 will have a plurality of recesses defined in a circumferential as well as a longitudinal spaced relationship on the shaft to regulate the flow of gasses through the multiple cylinders following a specific firing sequence, as the recesses 30 comes in register with the inlet 22 and outlet ports 24 of the cylinders 16 respectively.

The recesses can be of any suitable shape and size. In this embodiment the recess is in the form of a notch defined in an outer surface of the shaft.

Turning now to FIGS. 3 to 5, depicting a second embodiment of the valve arrangement 110, inlet flow channel 112 and outlet flow channel 114 take the form of a hollow 116 and aperture 118 arrangement, defined in the inlet 120 and outlet 122 shafts respectively. In this embodiment the shaft 120 and 122 will typically have closed ends with the hollow 116 extending longitudinally inside the shaft 120 and 122. The apertures 118 will typically be located at multiple predetermined locations in a sidewall of the shaft 120 and 122, so as to define a flow path through the hollow shaft when the aperture 118 is in register with the inlet 124 and or outlet port 126 of the cylinder 128.

As more clearly shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, in this embodiment a sealing arrangement 130 is provided for sealably arranging the shafts 120 and 122 relative the inlet 124 and outlet ports 126 of the cylinder 128 so as to inhibit the escape of gasses flowing between the flow channel and the cylinder ports.

FIG. 4 illustrates the incorporation of one intake 134 and outlet 136 manifold for introducing fuel/air mixture 132 and removal of exhaust gas 138 respectively whereas FIG. 5 illustrates the incorporation of multiple manifolds 134 and 136 for increased efficiency of the internal combustion engine.

It is to be appreciated that the design is not limited to the amount of inlet and/or outlet ports respectively, and may be varied without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

Further apertures and or slot formations 119 on inlet shaft 120 are provided for allowing incoming air and fuel mixture 132 from intake manifold 134 to enter cylinder 128 through apertures 118 in register with inlet port 124 of cylinder 128.

Likewise, apertures 119 on outlet shaft 122 permit exhaust gas 138 to escape through the outlet manifold 136 when aperture 118 is in register with the outlet port 126 of cylinder 128.

Shafts 120 and 122 can also include a propelling arrangement in the form of a blade arrangement 140, as more clearly shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, for propelling the gasses travelling through the hollow 116 in a preferred direction when rotating the shafts. The blade arrangement 140 will typically be angular disposed relative the inner wail so as to drive and propel gasses through the hollow in a preferred direction when rotating the shaft.

The propelling arrangement can also be in the form of a helix type element extending from an inner surface of the hollow shaft; the helix type element arranged longitudinally the hollow shaft, so as to propel and or drive gasses through the hollow when rotating (not shown).

Shafts 120 and 122 also include a fuel source 142 for disposing fuel and or fuel/air mixture into the cylinder for combustion thereof. As more clearly shown in FIG. 6, the fuel source 142 includes a fuel line for carrying the fuel from a high pressure fuel pump via a fuel solenoid into the cylinder. In another embodiment (not shown) the fuel/air mixture can be introduced directly into the hollow to promote the mixing of the fuel/air mixture before flowing into the cylinder for combustion thereof.

Shafts 120 and 122 will typically be linked to the crankshaft of a conventional internal combustion engine for rotation of the said shafts to bring the apertures in register with the inlet parts 124 and outlet pods 126 respectively.

The valve arrangement as described hereinbefore is advantageous in that the complete valve train of a commonly known internal combustion engine is replaced with a much simpler design where the regulating of gasses in and from the cylinder is achieved via rotation and or pivotal movement of the shaft.

The inclusion of a propelling arrangement inside the shafts 120 and 122 allows for fuel/air mixture to enter the cylinder at a higher velocity, and for extracting exhaust gas at an increased rate, resulting in increased engine productivity due to improved flow of gasses through the cylinder during the combustion process

It is to be appreciated that a valve arrangement as hereinbefore described is not limited to the precise functional and constructional details as set out above and that the integers such as the shafts, inlet and outlet manifolds, and design of the flow channels may be changed so as to comply to specific requirements of the user. 

1. A valve arrangement for controlling the flow of gasses through a cylinder of an internal combustion engine, which includes:— an inlet shaft having an inlet flow channel defined therein; an outlet shaft having an outlet flow channel defined therein; the inlet and outlet shafts being mounted rotatably about an inlet and outlet port of the cylinder, respectively; wherein the flow of gasses through the cylinder is controlled as the shafts are rotated between a first position wherein the flow channels are in register with the cylinder ports, thereby allowing the flow of gasses through the cylinder, and a second position wherein the flow channels are deregistered relative the cylinder ports, so as to inhibit the flow of gasses through the said cylinder.
 2. A valve arrangement as claimed in claim 1 wherein the inlet flow channel is in the form of a recess defined in an outer surface of the inlet shaft.
 3. A valve arrangement as claimed in claim 1 wherein the outlet flow channel is in the form of a recess defined in an outer surface of the outlet shaft.
 4. A valve arrangement as claimed in claim 1 wherein the inlet flow channel is in the form of a hollow and aperture arrangement defined in the inlet shaft.
 5. A valve arrangement as claimed in claim 1 wherein the outlet flow channel is in the form of a hollow and aperture arrangement defined in the outlet shaft.
 6. A valve arrangement as claimed in claim 4 wherein the hollow extends longitudinally the inlet shaft, with the inlet shaft having closed ends.
 7. A valve arrangement as claimed in claim 6 wherein multiple apertures are defined in a sidewall of the inlet shaft for permitting incoming fuel/air mixture to flow through the hollow of the inlet shaft until entering a cylinder through a shaft aperture registered with the inlet port of the said cylinder.
 8. A valve arrangement as claimed in claim 5 wherein the hollow extends longitudinally the outlet shaft, with the outlet shaft having closed ends.
 9. A valve arrangement as claimed in claim 8 wherein multiple apertures are defined in a sidewall of the outlet shaft for permitting exhaust gas to exit the cylinder through the hollow of the outlet shaft when the shaft aperture is registered with the outlet port of the said cylinder.
 10. A valve arrangement as claimed in claim 4 wherein the inlet shaft includes a propelling arrangement for propelling fuel/air mixture in a preferred direction through the hollow when rotating the inlet shaft.
 11. A valve arrangement as claimed in claim 10 wherein the propelling arrangement is in the form of a helix type element extending from an inner surface of the inlet shaft.
 12. A valve arrangement as claimed in claim 11 wherein the helix type element is arranged longitudinally the hollow.
 13. A valve arrangement as claimed in claim 10 wherein the propelling arrangement is in the form of a plurality of fin type elements extending from an inner wall of the inlet shaft towards the hollow.
 14. A valve arrangement as claimed in claim 13 wherein the fin type elements are angularly disposed relative the inner wall of the shaft.
 15. A valve arrangement as claimed in claim 1 wherein a sealing arrangement is provided for sealably arranging the inlet shaft relative the cylinder inlet port so as to inhibit the escape of fuel/air mixture flowing through the inlet flow channel into the cylinder when the inlet flow channel is in register with the inlet port.
 16. A valve arrangement as claimed in claim 1 wherein a sealing arrangement is provided for sealably arranging the outlet shaft relative the cylinder outlet port so as to inhibit the escape of exhaust gas flowing from the cylinder through the outlet flow channel when the outlet flow channel is in register with the outlet port.
 17. A valve arrangement as claimed in claim 1 wherein the inlet and outlet shafts are operably connected to a crankshaft of the combustion engine for axial rotation of the said shafts.
 18. (canceled)
 19. (canceled)
 20. A valve arrangement as claimed in claim 1 which includes an intake manifold for directing flow of the fuel/air mixture towards the inlet flow channel.
 21. A valve arrangement as claimed in claim 1 which includes a plurality of intake manifolds for directing flow of the air/fuel mixture towards the inlet flow channel.
 22. A valve arrangement as claimed in claim 1 which includes an outlet manifold for directing flow of exhaust gas from the outlet channel towards the outer.
 23. A valve arrangement as claimed in claim 1 which includes a plurality of outlet manifolds for directing flow of exhaust gas from the outlet channel towards the outer.
 24. A valve arrangement as claimed in claim 5 wherein the outlet shaft includes a propelling arrangement for propelling exhaust gas in a preferred direction through the hollow when rotating the outlet shaft.
 25. A valve arrangement as claimed in claim 24 wherein the propelling arrangement is in the form of a helix type element extending from an inner surface of the outlet shaft.
 26. A valve arrangement as claimed in claim 25 wherein the helix type element is arranged longitudinally the hollow.
 27. A valve arrangement as claimed in claim 24 wherein the propelling arrangement is in the form of a plurality of fin type elements extending from the inner wall of the outlet shaft towards the hollow.
 28. A valve arrangement as claimed in claim 27 wherein the fuel/air mixture is introduced into the hollow of the inlet shaft. 